News: Free-agent center Greg Oden's agent told SportsOnEarth.com that his client will wait until the offseason before deciding on which team he will play for in 2014. According to his agent, Oden has narrowed his choices down to the Cavaliers, Heat and Celtics.
Analysis: Oden continues to work his way back into basketball shape in the hopes of re-charging a career that never really got started. The 25-year-old has played in the association since the 2009-10 season as he continues to be plagued by knee troubles. Oden should only be owned in deeper long-term keeper formats since next season is earliest he will be back on the court.
News: Free-agent center Greg Oden has participated in a couple workouts with the Cavaliers, but no signing appears imminent, The News-Herald reports. Oden, who has not played in the NBA since the 2009-10 campaign with Portland, is expected to wait until the offseason to sign a contract.
Analysis: Despite being limited to just 82 games during his injury-riddled NBA career, Oden has reportedly received a decent amount of interest from potential suitors. Cleveland appears to be the favorite to land the talented, yet hobbled, center, who was the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of Ohio State. Oden has struggled with knee problems throughout his career and should not be on rosters in any Fantasy formats for now.
News: Yahoo! Sports is reporting Tuesday that free agent center Greg Oden is not expected to sign with a team this season. Instead, Oden will wait until the offseason to sign, according to his agent.
Analysis: Oden is not yet in the physical shape he'd like to be in order to start playing and contributing for a team. He's going to continue getting in shape and will look to sign in the offseason. He should have plenty of suitors by then. We will get plenty of updates on Oden’s possible destination moving forward, but he will not see an NBA uniform until next season. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats for now.
News: The Akron Beacon-Journal reported Friday that the Cavaliers are planning to offer free-agent center Greg Oden a two-year contract with an option for a third year. Oden, who has sat out the last three seasons recovering from a series of debilitating knee injuries, is expected to be offered the contract once the trade deadline passes Feb. 21, allowing the Cavaliers the opportunity to take advantage of their cap space prior to the offseason. Oden’s agent, Mike Conley Sr., told reporters that Oden has met with the Cavaliers already, since he is training in Columbus, Ohio. “Greg has been up there (to Cleveland) before and he’ll probably be up there again in an official capacity,” Conley said Friday. Oden is not expected to attempt playing this season.
Analysis: Oden, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, has appeared in just 82 games in his career due to injuries. Despite having missed four full seasons since being drafted, Oden is just 25 years old, so his upside is still tantalizing. Despite the limited appearances, he showed the ability that made him so highly regarded coming out of college and averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in just 22.1 minutes per game. We will get plenty of updates on Oden’s possible destination moving forward, but he will not see an NBA uniform until next season. Continue to ignore him in all Fantasy formats for now.
News: ESPN reports Wednesday that in addition to the Heat and Cavaliers, free agent center Greg Oden, who is attempting a comeback, is also seeing interest from the Spurs, Hornets, Bobcats, Pacers and Mavericks. Oden, who hasn't played since Dec. 5, 2009 due to multiple knee injuries, has been said to be leaning towards the Heat. Boston has also been mentioned at times.
Analysis: Oden has been working out in Columbus, Ohio, as he attempts to make another run at the NBA. However, if he signs with a team, then the understanding is that Oden will aim to return next season and not this season. There is no immediate need for seasonal league owners to add Oden in Fantasy. He really only has appeal in long-term keeper leagues and even that's a gamble because of his chronic knee issues.
News: CBSSports.com College Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman reports the Cavs and Heat have emerged as leaders to sign former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden, who is attempting an NBA comeback. Oden, who hasn't played since Dec. 5, 2009 due to multiple knee injuries, is hoping to meet with the Heat next week, according to a source. The Celtics have also expressed interest in signing Oden, but the source said Oden is leaning toward Cleveland or Miami.
Analysis: Oden has been working out in Columbus, Ohio, as he attempts to make another run at the NBA. However, if he signs with a team, then the understanding is that Oden will aim to return next season and not this season. There is no immediate need for seasonal league owners to add Oden in Fantasy. He really only has appeal in long-term keeper leagues and even that's a gamble because of his chronic knee issues.
News: NBC correspondent Ric Bucher reports former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden is attempting an NBA comeback. Bucher reported Oden's former Ohio State teammate, Mike Conley, said Greg is back in Columbus taking classes and trying to get into playing shape. Oden hopes to be available to hit the free-agent market and join a team by season's end. If he can't get into shape or there is no interest, then Oden will attempt another NBA comeback in the fall. ESPN reports sources said Oden has decided to resume his playing career, but isn't planning to return to the NBA before the 2013-14 season. Sources also said multiple teams have expressed interest in signing Oden to a multi-year deal before the end of the season, which would allow him to continue his rehab until he can get back on the court in training camp in the fall. ESPN reports the Heat are a team heavily interested in signing Oden.
Analysis: Oden's NBA career never materialized because of chronic knee problems. The 2007 first-round pick might go down as one of the biggest busts in NBA history, but it seems he hasn't given up on his NBA dream. It's not like Oden is over the hill either. He will turn 25 on Jan. 22, so there is a realistic chance he still could make a run at an NBA career. However, there is no need for Fantasy owners to take a flier on the former No. 1 overall pick. Let Oden sign with an NBA team first and then worry about his Fantasy value.
News: Free agent center Greg Oden continues to recover from microfracture surgery on his left knee, and, according to ESPN.com, recently underwent the same knee procedure Lakers guard Kobe Bryant had in Germany last summer to relieve pain and swelling in the knee. Oden, who has played in just 82 games since being the first pick in the 2007 NBA Draft due to a multitude of knee injuries, remains optimistic that he can make a return to the league as he continues to rehab the knee.
Analysis: According to the report, Oden remains in contact with as many as seven NBA teams, who could be interested in his service if he is able to return next season, however there is no timetable for his recovery at this time. He seems intent on getting back into playing shape, however at this point, he would need to show a lot for Fantasy owners to be willing to take a flyer on him on Draft Day.
News: Amid a flurry of trades that changed the face of their roster, the Trail Blazers finally parted ways with oft-injured center Greg Oden on Thursday, according to numerous media reports. Oden, out for the remainder of the season as he deals with a series of complications in his injured knee, finishes his Blazers career having played 82 career games, averaging 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over five seasons. Oden was waived in order to make room for the players acquired during Thursday's trade deadline moves.
Analysis: Oden has undergone five knee surgeries over the course of his five-year NBA career, so at this point he may never play in the NBA again. The Blazers releasing him is a largely symbolic gesture, as they cut ties with that part of their history. Oden will likely get another opportunity in the NBA to catch on, however he will need to prove he is healthy and in shape before that happens. At this point, Oden obviously has no Fantasy value for the foreseeable future.
News: It's been just under five years since Portland selected center Greg Oden with the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. On Monday, Oden is scheduled to undergo his fifth knee surgery in five years. The Trail Blazers announced on Monday that Oden will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in Vail, Colo. Oden has not appeared in an NBA game since December 2007 and there is no timetable for his return.
Analysis: Monday's surgery was expected, but was delayed after doctors found blood clots in his knee. Earlier this month, Oden underwent the same arthroscopic procedure on his right knee and Portland interim general manager Chad Buchanan said at the time that doctors wanted to address his left knee as well. Oden, 24, has played in 82 career NBA games, averaging 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He should remain unowned in all Fantasy formats for now.
News: Portland interim general manager Chad Buchanan said Tuesday that Blazers C Greg Oden has yet to have a procedure on his left knee after minor blood clots were found in his ankle earlier this month. "Nothing is set in stone on when they are going to go in and work on his left knee at this point," Buchanan told reporters. "It's kind of a day-to-day update we get from the doctors on when they are ready to do it."
Analysis: Oden was supposed to have the surgery -- his second procedure this month -- done on Monday, but that date was obviously pushed back. Oden also had arthroscopic surgery to remove debris from his right knee on Feb. 3. It appears highly unlikely that Oden will return at some point during this season as injuries continue to derail his once-promising career. Fantasy owners should continue to ignore him for now.
News: Portland C Greg Oden is scheduled to have surgery on his right knee on Friday, but will also undergo surgery to his left knee on Feb. 13, reports the Oregonian on Sunday. Oden's surgeries will now add up to five since joining the team back in 2007. Both surgeries will be similar to each other in that doctors will be clearing up debris from the knee. Oden is out indefinitely for the Blazers.
Analysis: It now appears to be an extreme long shot that Oden will return at some point during this season. The 23-year-old has managed just 82 games since being the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft as injuries have derailed his career. Fantasy owners should probably leave him unowned for now.
News: Portland C Greg Oden will have arthroscopic surgery to remove debris from his right knee, the team announced Friday. Oden, who has not played a game in the past two seasons, will have the procedure done later Friday. Oden underwent microfracture surgery in November 2010 and has not had a firm recovery timeline since the most recent procedure. "He's still considered out indefinitely," said Blazers interim general manager Chad Buchanan, who did not rule out the possibility of further surgeries for Oden in the future.
Analysis: Buchanan told CBSSports.com that a similar procedure could be required on Oden's left knee as well. "There's a chance that he may go undergo a similar procedure on his left knee in the coming days," Buchanan said. "That is to be determined. "The doctors felt like after looking at the latest MRI in both knees, they wanted to take a closer look at both things." It now appears to be a longshot that Oden will return at some point during this season. The 23-year-old has managed just 82 games since being the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft as injuries have derailed his career. Fantasy owners should probably leave him unowned for now.
News: 750 AM in Portland reports the Blazers are still being cautious with injured center Gren Oden (knee). "Nobody knows how this is going to play out for Greg," acting GM Chad Buchanan said. "We’re hoping he’ll be able to return and play at some point. We know there’s the potential that he won’t."
Analysis: Once one of the most highly anticipated big-man prospects in the league, Oden’s body has continuously betrayed him. Oden, 23, has played exactly one season’s worth of games since being the first pick in the 2007 draft. We will continue to track his progress, but realize that you are taking a gamble by stashing Oden on your Fantasy bench.
News: One day after agreeing to an $8.9 contract with the Blazers for the 2011-12 season, the Oregonian is reporting that Greg Oden’s status for the season has been thrown into doubt, and his contract will be restructured in light of this. The setback is not related to the surgery to repair a microfracture in his knee, but rather is related to a non-weight bearing ligament. He reportedly has no symptoms or pain, and his movement isn’t restricted, however the concern is that the structure of the knee might be compromised by the issue.
Analysis: Another setback for Oden. It’s not a surprise, at this point, but it’s obviously disappointing. Once one of the most highly anticipated big-man prospects in the league, Oden’s body has continuously betrayed him. Oden, just 23 still, has played exactly one season’s worth of games since being the first pick in the 2007 Draft. We’ll wait to see more information about his condition, but at this point, it’s hard to see him contributing in any way in 2011-12. Keep him off your radars on Draft Day.
News: Portland C Greg Oden, the oft-injured former No. 1 draft pick, will sign the Trail Blazers' $8.9 million qualifying offer on Friday, Oden's agent said. The deal is for one year, and the Blazers hope to give Oden one more opportunity to show that he can stay healthy and contribute. He received limited clearance to participate in practice when training camp begins Friday. He will not be able to participate in full practice, but he will be allowed to shoot and test the surgically-repaired left knee that cost him his 2010-11 season. “As I just learned now, I’m now moving on to court activities,’’ Oden told The Oregonian. “Just ramping it up a little more than I was doing.’’
Analysis: Oden, still just 23, has played exactly one season’s worth of games since being the first pick in the 2007 Draft, as injuries have kept him off the floor far more often than he’s been on it. It’s impossible to say what his Fantasy value could be if healthy, but he does still potentially have plenty of the talent that got him drafted first overall, so Fantasy owners have to look at him as a potential deep sleeper for 2011-12.
News: Portland C Greg Oden, the oft-injured former No. 1 draft pick, will sign the Trail Blazers' $8.9 million qualifying offer on Friday, Oden's agent said. The deal is for one year, and the Blazers hope to give Oden one more opportunity to show that he can stay healthy and contribute. He has yet to be cleared for contact by team doctors, but it’s possible that could happen Friday when training camp opens.
Analysis: Oden, just 23, has played exactly one season’s worth of games since being the first pick in the 2007 Draft, as injuries have kept him off the floor far more often than he’s been on it. It’s impossible to say what his Fantasy value could be if healthy, but he does still potentially have plenty of the talent that got him drafted first overall, so Fantasy owners have to look at him as a potential deep sleeper for 2011-12.
News: Free agent C Greg Oden will have his left knee examined in Vail, Colo., on Thursday by Dr. Richard Steadman, who performed his surgery last November. Oden will then return to Portland, though he won't be at Friday's training camp since he is a free agent. The Oregonian reports Oden's heart remains in Portland, however. Oden and the Blazers' doctors have been encouraged by his progress and the team is optimistic he could be cleared for contact Thursday.
Analysis: If Oden is cleared for contact, he'd then need to join a team, likely Portland at this point. Fantasy owners have long waited for Oden to get healthy. We have to doubt this is the time he finally does get over that hump. Fantasy owners can consider Oden a sleeper, but they should remain highly skeptical.
News: The Trail Blazers have offered former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden an $8.8 million qualifying offer to stay in Portland. The offer means the often-injured 7-foot center becomes a restricted free agent. The Blazers can match any other offer made for him. Oden, 23, didn't play this past season after microfracture surgery on his left knee. He missed his rookie season in 2007-08 after microfracture surgery on his right knee. Two seasons ago he broke his left kneecap. Because of his injuries, the former Ohio State star has played in only 82 games over parts of two seasons, averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds. "We've stood behind Greg Oden every day since he became a Trail Blazer and that continues with today's announcement," Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said in a statement. "Despite the setbacks he's experienced, he continues to be resilient in working tirelessly on his rehabilitation. We're all very encouraged with not only his progress, but with his commitment and determination to return to the basketball court."
Analysis: If no other teams make offers for Oden and he stays with the Blazers, he will become an unrestricted free agent for the 2012-13 season. In the 2009-10 season, Oden was averaging 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks as a starter and he was playing with an authority that had previously eluded him. But he broke his right kneecap in December of that season. It appeared he would return last season, but in November it was announced that he would require microfracture surgery on the right knee.He likely will never live up to his potential prior to the knee problems, but Oden could become a quality Fantasy option if he remains healthy. If he's ready for the start of next season then Oden would be worth a late-round pick on Draft Day in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Oregonian reports that Portland interim GM Chad Buchanan said the team is in a holding pattern with center Greg Oden. The Blazers are in a period during which they can tender a qualifying offer to Oden that would make him a restricted free agent and give the team the right to match any other franchise’s offer. But Buchanan said the Blazers would get through next Thursday’s draft before making a decision on Oden. “Until we get through the draft, we’re not going to focus in on that,” Buchanan said.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should continue to monitor Oden's recovery with his injured knee and what happens with his contract heading into 2011-12. He likely will never live up to his potential prior to the knee problems, but Oden could become a quality Fantasy option if he remains healthy. If he's ready for the start of next season then Oden would be worth a late-round pick on Draft Day in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Trail Blazers center Greg Oden, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, has had trouble staying on the court, playing just 82 games in his four-year NBA career. Throughout the trials, which have involved multiple microfracture knee surgeries and a fractured patella, Oden has received support off the court. Bill Duffy, president of BDA Sports, the agency that represents Oden, told Portland radio station 750 AM on Wednesday morning that the center has received professional help in dealing with the mental side of all the injuries. "Counseling, therapy, interventions, just to let him understand all the pressures, not to put too much pressure on himself," Duffy said. "Everybody needs that. Not just an athlete but someone to talk to and share your thoughts and your concerns and just get reassurance. If you do things the right way, stay patient, keep your eye on the prize, you'll be fine." In 2009, Oden revealed to Yahoo! Sports that he had visited a sports psychologist, however there has been no previous talk of interventions publicly.
Analysis: Oden is currently rehabilitating from microfracture surgery in November 2010. Microfracture surgery generally carries a 12 month recovery time period. "You proceed with caution," Duffy said. "We don't want to come back too soon. We're not going to even challenge it until we get to that 12 month threshold. If it were December or November or January we just can't afford any more slip ups. We'll wait until we get full clearance and then probably err on the side of caution, maybe a month or so after that." Fantasy owners should monitor Oden's recovery and what happens with his contract heading into 2011-12. He likely will never live up to his potential prior to the knee problems, but Oden could become a quality Fantasy option if he remains healthy. If he's ready for the start of next season then Oden would be worth a late-round pick on Draft Day in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Portland Tribune reports that Trail Blazers interim GM Chad Buchanan is noncommittal when it comes to bringing back center Greg Oden in 2011-12. This is a different stance from previous GM Rich Cho, who previously said keeping Oden is ”a priority in the offseason.” Oden finished the final season of his rookie contract — playing just 82 games of the four-year deal because of three season-ending knee surgeries — and the Blazers will have a window between the day after the NBA Finals and June 30 to tender an $8.8 million qualifying offer. “We’ve had a lot of discussions about that,” he says. “We’ll continue having those. I can’t give you much more than that on the situation with Greg.”
Analysis: Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee November 19 and the Blazers said then that he would miss between “six and 12 months.” Fantasy owners should monitor Oden's recovery and what happens with his contract heading into 2011-12. He likely will never live up to his potential prior to the knee problems, but Oden could become a quality Fantasy option if he remains healthy. If he's ready for the start of next season then Oden would be worth a late-round pick on Draft Day in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Oregonian reports Monday that Portland GM Rich Cho said keeping oft-injured center Greg Oden is ”a priority in the offseason.” Oden finished the final season of his rookie contract — playing just 82 games of the four-year deal because of three season-ending knee surgeries — and the Blazers will have a window between the day after the NBA Finals and June 30 to tender an $8.8 million qualifying offer. Assuming they do so, Oden will become a restricted free agent, giving the Blazers the right to match any offer Oden receives from another team. “As long as he’s working hard and his rehab is going well, I’m pretty sure we’ll give him a qualifying offer,” Cho said. Cho said Oden is “a ways away” from resuming basketball activities, but medical reports are encouraging. Oden underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee November 19 and the Blazers said then that he would miss between “six and 12 months.”
Analysis: Fantasy owners should monitor Oden's recovery and what happens with his contract heading into 2011-12. He likely will never live up to his potential prior to the knee problems, but Oden could become a quality Fantasy option if he remains healthy. If he's ready for the start of next season then Oden would be worth a late-round pick on Draft Day in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Oregonian reports that Trail Blazers C Greg Oden's rehab is going is planned after microfracture surgery on his left knee last November. GM Rich Cho responded to the paper's questions about his health Thursday, and also about his $8.8 million qualifying offer that has to be extended before June 30. "Greg’s rehab is going well," Cho said. "As long as it continues to progress, it’s safe to say we’ll extend the qualifying offer."
Analysis: Oden still appears to be in the Blazers' favor, and maybe in their plans for next season. Still, the rehabilitation is a long process that will likely sideline him for months to come. While his knee will hold him out until at least the beginning of the 2011-12 season, it appears as if he will still be in Portland. Oden figures to be a marginal Fantasy option even when he can get back on the court, because of his inability to stay healthy. He should be considered to be nothing more than a late-round flier on Draft Day.
News: Portland center Greg Oden spoke with reporters Thursday for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee last November. The former No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft admitted frustration in the recovery process and stressed his desire to play. "All I can do right now is rehab, so I take all my aggression I usually put out on the court and I put that into rehab right now," he told the Oregonian. "It is tough. It’s hard to ... it’s hard, it’s tough. I can’t put it no other way. But I have good people around me and I know that once I get over this I’m going to be back out there. And that’s what I look forward to." Oden, whose rehabilitation status was updated Tuesday, is still walking with a cane. He said most of his rehab has focused on conditioning. "I’m just doing a little bit more cardio," he said. "In two weeks, I’ll be able to do the elliptical. So right now, 40 minutes of cardio a day, some table work. That’s about it. Pool twice a week."
Analysis: Oden's comments provide a glimpse of hope for the once-promising phenom. Microfracture surgery typically sidelines players for a full calendar year, and Oden was already recovering from fracturing his left patella in December 2009. He still has a long way to go for Portland if he hopes to return and become part of the team's future plans once again. He acknowledged that decision was not up to him. "You know what, that’s out of my hands," he said Thursday. "I can’t control that. I want to be where I can play and be healthy. Hopefully that can be here. I’m here now. But that’s definitely out of my hands." As a result of the persistent injuries, Oden should be solely considered a long-term dynasty option in Fantasy leagues.
News: Portland C Greg Oden had his rehabilitation status updated on Tuesday, as reported by the team's official site. Director of Pro Scouting for the club, Mike Born, said he spoke with Oden following Monday's win over Minnesota. "He's still using the cane right now when he's walking," Born said. "But he's also, for the last three or four days here, been able to get on the treadmill and start to walk."
Analysis: This latest news on Oden's rehab is certainly a step in the right direction, though it remains a very tiny step. Microfracture surgery typically sidelines players for a full calendar year, and the disappointing former No. 1 pick was already recovering from fracturing his left patella in December 2009. Oden still has a long way to go for Portland if he hopes to return and become part of the team's future plans once again. As a result of the persistent injuries, Oden should be solely considered a long-term dynasty option in Fantasy leagues.
News: Despite news that oft-injured Portland center Greg Oden faces more surgery, Blazers president Larry Miller said Thursday he foresees the team making an $8.8 million qualifying offer this summer to retain his restricted free agent rights, The Oregonian reported. "If Greg Oden plays up to his potential he is worth that,'' Miller told the newspaper. "We will see where (rehabilitation) things are at that level. But at this point, I don’t see us not giving the offer if Greg is doing the things we need to see him doing to get back on the court.” Oden, who will undergo microfracture surgery on his left knee Friday, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer if the Blazers do not tender a qualifying offer by June 30.
Analysis: By the start of the 2011-12 season, it’s possible Oden could have more contracts in his NBA career than full seasons played. Microfracture surgery typically sidelines players for a full calendar year, and the disappointing former No. 1 pick was already recovering from fracturing his left patella in December 2009. The vote of confidence from Miller on Thursday is promising for the 22-year-old Oden, who will likely get one more opportunity to show that he is not one of the biggest busts in draft history, especially after totaling just 82 games in three seasons as a pro. As a result of the persistent injuries, Oden should be solely considered a long-term dynasty option in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Trail Blazers announced on Wednesday that injured C Greg Oden will miss the remainder of the season. He is set to undergo microfracture surgery on his left knee on Friday. Oden has been sidelined since fracturing his left patella on Dec. 5, 2009. A recent MRI showed damaged cartilage to the surface of his femur.
Analysis: This is more terrible news for Oden, who has been plagued by injuries in his brief NBA career. The current injury is not even related to the fractured left patella, which is still an issue. Microfracture surgery usually sidelines an NBA athlete for around a calendar year -- and given how far behind schedule he is in his development it sounds like a matter of years, not months before Oden could conceivably become a relevant NBA player.
News: A team spokesman says the Portland Trail Blazers won't offer a contract extension to former No. 1 pick Greg Oden before the Monday deadline. The Oregonian reported Friday that the Blazers and Oden's representatives agreed there would be no extension, making the oft-injured center the first top pick since Kwame Brown not to get one at the end of his rookie contract. Teams have until Monday to reach deals with first-round picks from the 2007 draft. But Portland hasn't seen enough of Oden, who has played in only 82 games since he was picked ahead of Kevin Durant. He has been sidelined since fracturing his left patella last Dec. 5. Oden will be a restricted free agent next summer and the Blazers will be able to match any offers for him.
Analysis: Oden was able to scrimmage earlier in the week, but didn't participate in every activity. He said he felt comfortable out there, but he is still a little ways out from returning to action for the Trail Blazers. While they hope he's back in late November, that is best case scenario with no setbacks. Oden has played in just 82 games in his career and hasn't lived up to the No. 1 pick status. Owners should keep him reserved until he can return to the court, but he has a lot to prove to Portland and Fantasy owners.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden was able to take part in five-on-five scrimmaging in Monday's practice, according to the Portland Tribune. He did not participate in every activity, his participation was encouraging. “I held back a little bit, being my first time out there,” Oden says. “I was looking around, my head on a swivel, everybody moving fast. But once I got down to playing, I felt comfortable out there.”
Analysis: After practice, Oden said that his knee felt "a little tight, a little stiff." He is still a few steps away from being cleared to play in a game, but the fact that he is back to playing in contact drills is a good sign. The report noted that the Blazers are hoping to have Oden back by late November, but that will be if there are no setbacks whatsoever. It was also announced on Monday that Oden will not be signing an extension with the Blazers, which would make this a contract year for him whenever he is able to play -- not that he doesn't already have plenty of motivation to prove he belongs in the NBA as a top player.
News: Portland C Greg Oden was able to play in a five-on-five scrimmage on Monday, reports The Oregonian. Oden said there is still no timetable for his return from surgery on his right kneecap. Portland is hoping he could be back by late November but it seems more and more likely that early December is a better target.
Analysis: Oden is obviously able to run a little and play some hoops but he's still a long way from playing a full NBA game. Oden will be a restricted free agent after the season, giving him more incentive to stay on the court. Then again, if he gets hurt, he gets hurt -- and he has a way of getting hurt. Oden was beginning to live up to his potential last year, averaging 15.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in his final seven games before the injury. If you have the roster space to stash him in Fantasy, he certainly has sleeper appeal in the late rounds and could be useful by Christmas or a little before.
News: According to Yahoo! Sports, Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan thinks C Greg Oden will be able to return from surgery on his right kneecap before the end of December, though Oden is hesitant to put a specific timetable on it. “I do a little bit more each day,” Oden said. “I keep on pushing it. But I’m not going to put myself out there until I can go and do the things I need to do.” Teammate Brandon Roy thinks Oden can return even sooner than that. “He’s closer than I think people think,” Roy said.
Analysis: Oden will be a restricted free agent after the season, giving him more incentive to stay on the court. Then again, if he gets hurt, he gets hurt -- and he has a way of getting hurt. Oden was beginning to live up to his potential last year, averaging 15.6 points, 9.1 blocks and 2.4 blocks in his final seven games before the injury. If you have the roster space to stash him in Fantasy, he certainly has sleeper appeal in the late rounds.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden arrived in advance of the start of practice on Tuesday with word that he would not be available for preseason games because he was still not fully healed from surgery on his right kneecap last December. In fact, Oden won't likely be available for the season opener, and perhaps well into the season. When asked if he would be ready to play by Christmas, Oden threw up his hands and shrugged his shoulders. "I wish I could honestly say there's a timeline, but there's not," he said. "There's good days and bad days." He also added that he would not be there for opening night.
Analysis: Oden broke his right kneecap during a game last December against the Houston Rockets. It is one of several injuries the 7-footer has suffered since he came into the league. Last season, Oden averaged 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks as a starter before breaking his kneecap. He told reporters at media day that he will have to be patient. That is not a trait many Fantasy owners possess, but those who have it could still get some real value out of the injury-plagued former No. 1 overall pick.
News: According to The Oregonian, the Trail Blazers have signed C Marcus Camby to a two-year extension. Camby was set to become a free agent after this season. Camby was going to be one of the more sought after free agents at center this offseason, but this takes him off the market, barring a trade. Camby was acquired via trade this season after a knee injury to Greg Oden forced him out for the season.
Analysis: The Blazers now have insurance (whether you view Camby as Oden insurance, or Oden as Camby insurance) and Camby will get a chance to continue to put together well-rounded stat lines in Portland as long as Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge don't cut into his playing time too much. With Oden, it remains to be seen if he can ever play enough to where Camby should be concerned about his playing time. Oden will enter the season as an injury-risk No. 3 center with high upside. But he'll now have Camby to deal with on top of his propensity for injuries.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden underwent surgery on his left patella Sunday, and the Blazers confirmed what they feared all along -- that Oden was done for the season. "I'm obviously disappointed having worked so hard to get to where I was. This is a setback but I'll be back. It's in God's hands now," Oden said in a statement released by the team. "I want to thank the fans, my teammates and everyone in the Blazers family for all of their good thoughts."
Analysis: Oden, drafted ahead of Kevin Durant, has been plagued by injures his entire NBA career. But this season Oden lost weight and was averaging 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks as a starter. Along with improved numbers in all the major statistical categories, Oden had a renewed confidence that was seldom evident in his delayed rookie season, when he admitted the pressure of being a top draft pick got to him. "He did all the things he needed to do this summer to get himself ready for this year. He came back and showed the potential we felt he had," coach Nate McMillan said. Don't forget about Oden entering next year's draft, but in light of this news, you can cut him in all seasonal Fantasy leagues.
News: Portland center Greg Oden will likely miss the season after fracturing his left patella during a game against Houston on Saturday night. Oden will undergo surgery, the Trail Blazers said. The 7-foot center dropped to the floor clutching his left knee and grimacing after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks midway through the first quarter. The game was stopped for some 7 minutes. Finally, Oden was gently moved to a stretcher and wheeled from the court. He underwent an MRI shortly thereafter.
Analysis: Fantasy owners could wait for official confirmation that he'll miss the remainder of the season before cutting Oden in seasonal leagues, but this news makes it time to prepare alternatives. It's another tough break for Oden, who has been plagued by injures for his entire NBA career.
News: According to various reports, an MRI on Greg Oden's left knee following a knee injury suffered in Saturday's game against Houston revealed a fractured left patella. He is likely to miss the remainder of the season.
Analysis: Oden stayed on the ground for about 5 minutes while being attended to by trainers. He never stood up under his own power before being carted off. According to The Columbian, Oden was brought to an Orthapedic facility near the arena to undergo the MRI. Fantasy owners should wait for official confirmation that he'll miss the remainder of the season before cutting Oden in seasonal leagues, but this news makes it time to prepare alternatives.
News: Portland center Greg Oden was taken off the court on a stretcher after an apparent knee injury in the first quarter of the Trail Blazers' game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. Oden stayed on the ground for about 5 minutes while being attended to by trainers. He never stood up under his own power before being carted off. Oden dropped to the floor clutching his left knee after colliding with a driving Aaron Brooks with 5:45 remaining in the first quarter.
Analysis: Oden stayed on the ground for about 5 minutes while being attended to by trainers. He never stood up under his own power before being carted off. According to The Columbian, Oden was brought to an Orthapedic facility near the arena to undergo an MRI. The extent of the injury leads us to believe he is unlikely to ply Monday in New York and it would appear he won't be available to Fantasy owners for Week 7 (Dec. 7-13). You'll have to go with an alternative. Hopefully, this isn't as bad as it seemed Saturday night.
News:The Oregonian reports that Greg Oden missed practice Wednesday. He is dealing with a sprained ankle and is considered day to day.
Analysis: Oden and the Blazers don't have another game until Saturday, giving him plenty of time to heal. Treat him as day to day, but it doesn't sound like Week 7 (Dec. 7-13) is in question right now.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden set a career high with 20 rebounds in just 30 minutes Tuesday against the Heat. His previous high was 15 rebounds. His 11 offensive rebounds tied a franchise record. He also had 13 points and four blocks.
Analysis: Oden has managed to stay healthy this season and is showing real signs of improvement. He's averaging nearly a double-double to go along with his 2.3 blocks per game. Treat him as a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Portland C Greg Oden continues to play well of late for the Trail Blazers. Oden scored 13 points and ripped down 10 boards on Friday night in a loss to Memphis. He played 28 minutes and shot 4 of 8 from the field. He added three blocked shots.
Analysis: Oden has scored in double figures in five straight games. Over that span, Oden has averaged 17.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. That makes him a near-No. 1 Fantasy center. It seems like he's going to get better and better the more minutes he can sustain on the court without getting into foul trouble. Treat Oden as a no. 2 Fantasy center for now but consider the Blazers only play twice in Week 6 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6). You might consider other options.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden equaled a career high with 24 points and equaled a season high with 12 rebounds Monday against the Bulls. He also had two blocks in 27 minutes, shooting 7 for 8 from the field.
Analysis: Oden came into the game without a single 20-point effort this season, but he has offered a consistent number of rebounds and blocks. He's worth starting as a No. 2 center in Fantasy, and he can only get better from here.
News: Portland C Greg Oden was effective on the glass Wednesday against Detroit, grabbing 10 rebounds in an 87-81 win. He added six points as well on 3 for 7 shooting, contributing three blocked shots.
Analysis: Oden is nearly averaging a double-double on the season with 9.8 points per game and 8.4 boards per game. He is hovering around those numbers over his past five starts as well as he continues to develop into a No. 1 Fantasy center. He should be active in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden had a season-high 18 points with 11 rebounds in Wednesday's game at Minnesota. He shot 8 of 10 from the field and picked up a block and a steal. It was his fourth straight game with double figures in scoring.
Analysis: Oden did not have a single foul in the game for the first time this season. Foul trouble has plagued him early on, but he's starting to come around and is putting together good offensive numbers to go with the rebounds and blocks. He is emerging into a No. 1 type center and Fantasy owners should look to activate him where possible.
News: Portland C Greg Oden scored a season-high 14 points on Friday in a win over the Spurs. Oden shot 6 of 9 from the floor and grabbed eight rebounds with four blocked shots. He played 25 minutes.
Analysis: Oden sometimes is saddled with foul trouble and that keeps his minutes limited. Still, he's averaging 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game to go with eight points this season and those numbers should improve if he can just stay healthy.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden had 8 points with 9 rebounds in Tuesday's game against Atlanta. He played just 16 minutes due to foul trouble. Oden has yet to play 30 minutes this season.
Analysis: Oden has had at least four fouls in each game and five in all but one game so far this season, which has limited his playing time. He's starting to get going offensively a little bit, but has scored in double figures just once. Once these two final pieces of the puzzle fall into play Oden could start to be considered a strong Fantasy center.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden brought down 9 rebounds in Thursday's game against Denver, missing two critical free throws with 4.6 seconds left in a game his team lost by three points. Oden has attempted just eight shots in the first two games.
Analysis: Oden has been strong on the boards in the first two games, averaging 10.5 per game. He's also had seven blocks in the two games and you can start to see the makings of a strong No. 1 Fantasy center. He is doing this in limited playing time, getting no more than 26 minutes in the first two games, but Fantasy owners will need to see him take on a bigger offensive role before they can trust him as even a steady No. 2 center for Fantasy purposes. Be patient with him, as the payoff can be especially rewarding.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden scored only two points in the season opener against the Rockets on Tuesday, but he made his presence known with 12 rebounds and five blocks. He played 26 minutes. "You definitely want a lot more points," Oden said. "But I think I did a lot of good things that don't show up on the scoreboard or in the stats."
Analysis: Oden, plagued by injuries for much of his young NBA career, will have plenty of value in Fantasy if he can continue to rebound and block that way. He has the ability to score in double figures too, so don't overlook him as a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Blazers center Greg Oden continued to show marked improvement over last season with 17 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes Wednesday against the Suns. He also had three blocks. In four preseason games, he's averaging 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 25.5 minutes.
Analysis: You'll take those numbers from Oden in his second NBA season, and considering he'll likely average more than 25.5 minutes per game, he has the upside for even more. Injuries remain a concern for him, but he still has all the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2007. You can draft him as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy center, and he has plenty of sleeper appeal in that capacity.
News:Greg Oden had 18 points and nine rebounds in the Portland Trail Blazers' 98-86 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the preseason opener for both teams on Tuesday night. "It felt good to get some of the kinks out," Oden said.
Analysis: Oden's assessment of his exhibition opener was brief -- and fitting for the preseason. "It was OK, you know," he said. "I still have a lot to work on." Oden is trying to shake the labels of being an injury-prone draft bust and while this was just a preseason game, it's still a good sign. He may provide Fantasy owners with solid sleeper value in the late middle rounds as a center who could be had as a low-end No. 2 or even a No. 3 center, but that could put up No. 1 caliber numbers if he finally lives up to his potential.
News: Portland C Greg Oden scored 15 points in his career playoff debut on Saturday in Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Rockets. He went 6-for-7 from the field, adding five rebounds and a block to his stat line. He played 22 minutes in the game and had been listed probable before the game due to a sinus infection.
Analysis: That was a better performance from Oden than he typically gave in the regular season, but it came in a 108-81 losing effort. He was only worth using in deeper leagues this past season but could make a much bigger impact in 2009-2010 if he is able to stay healthy.
News: Trail Blazers center Greg Oden missed practice Friday due to a sinus infection, a day before Portland faces the Rockets in their playoff opener. The 7-foot center is listed as probable and will be a game-time decision.
Analysis: Oden, the top pick in the 2007 draft, missed what would have been his rookie season after microfracfture surgery on his right knee. He missed six games to start this season after he injured his right foot in the opener against the Lakers. A bone chip in his left knee following a collision during a game at Golden State kept him out of the All-Star weekend's rookie challenge and the next 15 games. He was only really worth using in deeper leagues this season but could be much more of an impact player in the 2009-2010 season if he is able to stay healthy.
News:Greg Oden is smiling again. That's significant as the Trail Blazers prepare for their first foray into the playoffs since 2003. Portland's big man has been moody at times his rookie season, weighed down by a couple of injuries and the mountainous - possibly unrealistic - expectations that have been placed on him. But over the past couple of weeks, Oden has gained both confidence and a comfort level with his game. During Monday night's 113-83 victory over Oklahoma City, the 7-footer flashed his toothy grin and waved to fans behind the bench at the Rose Garden. "I feel good, you know?" Oden said. "I think it was just a matter of being able to get out there and just play. Get some minutes and start playing."
Analysis: Over Portland's last 10 games, Oden is averaging 9.2 points and six rebounds. While not impressive statistically, his play is clearly improving. "He's starting to get a feel and a rhythm and get comfortable with the team he's playing with. We're bringing him off the bench, and I think he's gotten comfortable with that rotation and has been able to be productive for us," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. Overall, Oden is averaging 8.8 points, seven rebounds and 1.13 blocks in 60 games this season. He was mostly worth using only in deeper leagues this season but could enter 2009-10 with a mountain of upside.
News: Portland center Joel Przybilla had nine points and four rebounds Tuesday at Memphis. He remained in the starting lineup despite coach Nate McMillan saying recently he would like to have Greg Oden start before the playoffs. Oden played 23 minutes off the bench and had 10 points and five rebounds.
Analysis: Oden can be a useful No. 2 Fantasy center, but he needs more time to be more productive and help your Fantasy team. For now, use Oden only where needed and hope he can start the final few games of the year.
News: Portland center Greg Oden remained a reserve Tuesday against Utah, but he was productive off the bench with 12 points and eight rebounds in just 11 minutes of action. He hit 4-of-6 shots from the field and 4-of-5 shots from the foul line.
Analysis: Oden can be a useful No. 2 Fantasy center when he's playing like this, and hopefully his production will increase when his minutes go up. For now, keep him active in deep formats, but his value could rise soon.
News: The Oregonian reports Portland coach Nate McMillan might want to insert center Greg Oden back into the starting lineup in favor of Joel Przybilla. "Right now, the only thing we have to look at is Greg," McMillan said of the team's rotation. "Will I go back to Greg in that starting lineup? Probably. Probably. But for right now, until he gets his rhythm and does some good things, we are going to stay here." McMillan has always conceded that Oden needs to start, and start now, for this franchise to realize it's full championship potential. However, Przybilla has been more than solid as the starter, and McMillan loves the dilemma Oden presents to opponents by coming off the bench.
Analysis: Oden has come off the bench in all six games since returning from a left knee injury that kept him out of 15 games. In those six games, Oden is averaging 7.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in just more than 16 minutes a game. In his last three games he has played 25, 17 and 22 minutes. For now, consider Oden a No. 2 Fantasy center in all formats.
News: Portland center Greg Oden had eight points, three blocks and one rebound in 17 minutes off the bench Thursday against the Suns. He has been back now for five games after being out with a knee injury and is averaging 6.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over that span.
Analysis: Oden is also just playing 15 minutes per game since coming back. Hopefully that will change soon, but for now consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Blazers center Greg Oden made his first playing appearance at home since the All-Star break in Friday's game against Philadelphia. The crowd gave Oden a rousing ovation, and 30 seconds after entering the game, he dunked en route to a three-point play. He finished the game with 13 points and eight rebounds in 25 minutes. He had scored a combined 13 points in his first three games since returning from his latest knee injury.
Analysis: Oden saw a boost in playing time, getting up to 25 minutes and he appeared to be fired up by playing at home again after a long while. He hadn't gotten 25 minutes in a game since Feb. 11 against Oklahoma City. Let the erratic "rookie" follow it up with another game like this before trusting him again at this critical juncture of the Fantasy season.
News: Portland C Greg Oden was able to play again on Thursday against the Cavaliers, scoring seven points and adding nine rebounds in 12 minutes of work. Oden also got 12 minutes of work in his return from a knee injury on Wednesday against Indiana.
Analysis: The Blazers are obviously bringing Oden back into the mix slowly, allowing him to only get about one quarter of work. They're likely trying to keep him healthy for their likely playoff run. Oden is a low-end No. 2 center now that he's healthy and will hopefully start getting to play more minutes.
News:Greg Oden finally played in his hometown as a pro. The 7-foot center returned to the Trail Blazers' lineup Wednesday against the Pacers after sitting out for more than a month with a bone chip in his left knee. The top pick in the 2007 draft and former Lawrence North High School star sat out last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee, so he missed the Trail Blazers' visit to Indiana last season. Oden was hurt in a collision during a game at Golden State before the All-Star break. He finished with four points and seven boards in 12 minutes.
Analysis: Oden is averaging 9.0 and 7.2 rebounds in 46 games this season. He has had his fair share of injuries since entering the NBA and has been too fragile to live up to the expectations that come along with being a No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Hopefully his career will get on track and he'll be able to avoid the injury bug the rest of the season. He can be thought of as a low-end No. 2 center now that he is healthy.
News: The Oregonian reports that Greg Oden has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's game at Indiana. Oden will be a game-time decision.
Analysis: Fantasy owners should look to let him prove healthy and productive before activating him again. He was not playing much more than 20 minutes per game on a regular basis even before going down and the way that Joel Przybilla has been playing, the team will likely continue to split minutes between the two pretty evenly. Monitor his progress before activating him possibly as a No. 2 center.
News: Blazers center Greg Oden did not play Monday night against Memphis and will be re-evaluated at Tuesday's practice in Indianapolis. All indications from trainers and coaches are that Oden is nearing a return, perhaps later in the week.
Analysis: Keep Oden reserved for this scoring period since it sounds like he will be out again, at least for the first two games. We need to see him on the court and active before we can tell you to put him in your lineup at this point. When healthy, Oden will be a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News:The Oregonian reports that Greg Oden ran full-court sprints on Saturday. Blazers coach Nate McMillan said Oden still had some soreness in his knee but was making progress.
Analysis: The report added that if Oden continues to improve, his next step is making hard cuts and sudden stops. Oden is with the team on its current road trip which extends through the entire Week 21 scoring period. There is indication that would lead us to believe he will be a good play in the upcoming week. Let him prove healthy and productive before activating him again in such a critical juncture of the scoring period.
News: The Oregonian reports Portland center Greg Oden, who will miss his 12th consecutive game Wednesday night against Dallas, is starting to see improvement in his left knee, which was chipped on Feb. 12 in a collision with Golden State's Corey Maggette. The Blazers training staff was excited with Oden's workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, saying they were by far the best he has had since the injury. "He's getting close," a source said. Oden will not play Friday against New Jersey, but the team has already committed to bringing Oden on the upcoming five-game trip, which starts Sunday in Atlanta and continues through Memphis, Indiana, Cleveland and Milwaukee.
Analysis: This is the most optimistic news we've heard with Oden since he got hurt. Hopefully he can get back on the court in time to help you for the Fantasy playoffs, but he needs to get back to 100 percent quickly. There could be some rust with Oden with all the time off, so be patient.
News: The Oregonian reports Sunday that Portland rookie center Greg Oden, who has missed 10 games and counting with a chipped bone in his left kneecap, could miss the rest of this season. There are more than five weeks and 20 games remaining in the season, and Oden has already missed three weeks and still can't run without pain. The Blazers medical staff reports that Oden could miss three more weeks or could show rapid improvement in the course of two days. Oden is waiting for that rapid improvement. "To this day, there's still no real timeline," Oden said. "It's 7 to 10 days and then see how it feels. Yeah, well, what if the 7 to 10 days comes and it doesn't feel good? I'm sitting here like everyone else going. 'What the ...?' I hope one of these days I don't feel it, but right now, I do."
Analysis: While nothing has been said yet about the timetable other than the Blazers plan to re-evaluate his knee in about a week, this doesn't sound good. For now, keep Oden reserved in all leagues and hope he does show rapid improvement and return soon. But also plan on being without Oden heading into the Fantasy playoffs since even when he does come back, he will be rusty after all the time off. Oden is starting to look like a bust in all Fantasy leagues after two years of little production thanks to two different knee injuries.
News: Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is expected to miss at least another week because of a bone chip in his left knee. The Blazers say Oden's knee will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days. The 7-footer was hurt in a collision during a game at Golden State before the All-Star break. He missed the rookie challenge and seven games since. The top pick in the 2007 draft sat out last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He missed six games early this season with a foot injury. Oden has averaged nine points and just over seven rebounds in 39 games this season. Joel Przybilla has been starting in his place.
Analysis: The top pick in the 2007 draft, Oden sat out last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He also missed six games early this season with a foot injury. He has been plagued by injuries in both years of his NBA career so far. Continue to keep Oden reserved in all leagues and hope he can return soon. When healthy, Oden is a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: The Oregonian reports Portland coach Nate McMillan said the team could be without center Greg Oden for a while. Oden missed his seventh game Sunday against Portland with a bone chip in his left knee. "He didn't look like he could run last week when I was watching him run," McMillan said. "I think he's going to need some time. We thought this thing would heal a little sooner and it's not healing as fast as we thought or that recovery is not as fast as we thought it would be. So it could be some more time before he's ready to go. As far as what I saw of him running the floor, I don't think he'll be coming back any time in the next few days."
Analysis: Continue to keep Oden reserved in all leagues and hope he can return soon. When healthy, Oden is a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: The Blazers were still without rookie center Greg Oden on Sunday against the Spurs. The center missed his seventh game with a bone chip in his left knee. He suffered the injury in a game against Golden State before the All-Star break. It is not believed that the injury will keep Oden out for an extended period. Oden has had light workouts with the team in recent days.
Analysis: The top pick in the 2007 draft, Oden sat out last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He also missed six games early this season with a foot injury. He has been plagued by injuries in both years of his NBA career so far, but he should be back soon. He should not be active for the upcoming scoring period as there's no guarantee that he'll return against Indiana Wednesday.
News:The Oregonian reports that Greg Oden is likely to miss Sunday's game against San Antonio. He also missed Friday's game in Minnesota, his sixth straight absence. "It didn't look good to me," McMillan said at the team's shootaround Friday. "I just ... it didn't look good to me. It didn't look like he had his natural stride. Looking at that, I don't see him being ready for Sunday after what I saw yesterday."
Analysis: Oden banged knees with Golden State's Corey Maggette on Feb. 12 and went to the floor clutching his left knee, not the right knee that underwent microfracture surgery in September of 2007. He later returned to the game and played about six minutes, but awoke the next morning to swelling in the knee. Later, tests revealed a small chip in his knee cap, and the swelling was accompanied by tightness. Oden and the team both thought the injury was minor and would require only a couple of days of rest. Oden was last examined by team doctors on Feb. 22 in Portland, and Oden said the doctors told him he can play when he feels he is ready. Fantasy owners should play it safe where possible and keep him reserved.
News: The Oregonian reports Portland center Greg Oden is listed as out for Friday's game at Minnesota. Oden worked out with the team Thursday morning and did some light running. This will be Oden's sixth-consecutive game missed because of a bone chip in his left knee. The paper also reports Oden will likely miss Sunday's home game against San Antonio. "It didn't look good to me," McMillan said at the team's shootaround Friday. "I just ... it didn't look good to me. It didn't look like he had his natural stride. Looking at that, I don't see him being ready for Sunday after what I saw yesterday."
Analysis: Keep Oden reserved in all daily leagues and hope he can return soon. The safe option in all leagues is to keep Oden out until he can play a couple of games and prove his knee is OK.
News: Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will miss at least two more games because of a bone chip in his left knee. Oden was hurt in a collision during a game at Golden State before the All-Star break. The 7-foot Oden missed the rookie challenge and was scratched for Tuesday's game in Houston and Wednesday's game in San Antonio. Coach Nate McMillan said there was a "slight chance" Oden would participate in practice on Thursday. McMillan said he wanted to see Oden run before determining when Oden would play again. "We thought, everybody thought, he would be able to be moving by now," McMillan said. "Things just keep getting bumped back."
Analysis: McMillan said doctors have assured him that the injury won't turn into a long-term absence. But McMillan admitted he's starting to get worried. "We are into the part of the season where we need our bigs," McMillan said. Oden, the top pick in the 2007 draft, sat out last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He missed six games early this season with a foot injury. The 7-foot Oden has averaged nine points and just over seven rebounds in 39 games this season. Injuries have been the story of Oden's career and it has hinder his ability to be a high-end Fantasy option. Keep him reserved until further notice.
News: The Oregonian reports Portland center Greg Oden traveled with the Blazers on Monday afternoon for their three-game trip to Houston, San Antonio and Minnesota, but word is that the rookie will miss at least two of the three games because of his lingering left knee injury. Oden did not practice Monday night in Houston and the team said he is not expected to play in either game of the Blazers' back-to-back games against Houston on Tuesday and San Antonio on Wednesday. Oden suffered a chip in his knee cap on Feb. 12, when he knocked knees with Corey Maggette during a game at Golden State. If Oden sits out the next two games, he will have missed each of the team's last five games.
Analysis: For now, keep Oden reserved in all leagues and hope he can return soon. He has been up and down this season, and it appears like health issues will follow him for the early part of his career. He needs to stay healthy to help your Fantasy team, but be patient and hope for a speedy return.
News: Portland's Greg Oden sat out his third game since the All-Star break Sunday against the Clippers because of a chipped bone in his kneecap. He's listed as day-to-day with the Blazers next game Tuesday at Houston.
Analysis: The safe bet with Oden this scoring period is to keep Oden reserved. He might return during the week, but you don't want to take the chance he could miss time with the injury or any setbacks. When healthy, Oden is a No. 2 Fantasy center, but right now his injury is ruining his production.
News: Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will sit out at least two more games because of a bone chip in his left knee. Oden was hurt in a collision during a game at Golden State before the All-Star break. It forced him to miss the All-Star rookie challenge and Wednesday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He will miss home games against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night and against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. He will be evaluated for the team's three-game road trip next week. The top pick in the 2007 draft sat out all of last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He missed six games at the start of this season with a foot injury. Oden has averaged nine points and just over seven rebounds in 39 games this season. Joel Przybilla will start in his absence.
Analysis: Keep Oden reserved in all leagues and hope he can return soon. When healthy, he is a No. 2 Fantasy center, but he needs to get on the court and prove that he won't suffer any setbacks. Przybilla is a decent stop-gap option to replace Oden in deeper leagues.
News: Trail Blazers center Greg Oden sat out Wednesday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies because of a bone chip in his left knee. Oden was hurt in a collision during a game at Golden State last Thursday. He was unable to play in the All-Star weekend's rookie challenge. The 7-foot center is listed as day-to-day. Team doctors are expected to evaluate his knee. Oden, the top pick in the 2007 draft, sat out all of last season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He missed six games at the start of this season with a foot injury.
Analysis: Hopefully this is just a setback for Oden and not something that will limit him the rest of this season. Keep him out in daily leagues and monitor his progress going forward.
News: The Oregonian reports that Portland C Greg Oden (knee) said the swelling and discomfort in his left knee has not completely subsided and he will not play against Memphis on Wednesday. He's listed as day to day.
Analysis: Oden is expected to meet with team doctors on Wednesday for further examination. "I'll get past this; it's no problem," Oden said. "I wasn't happy to hear about it at all. (But) I feel that it won't take that long for me to get back out there." Still, you want to be wary as he's very injury prone as a rookie. Keep him reserved in daily leagues and re-evaluate when he's able to return.
News:The Oregonian reports that Greg Oden's agent says that the knee injury his client suffered last Thursday night in the loss to the Warriors is of the minor variety. "I don't think it's that serious at all," Mike Conley Sr. said Sunday. "He's going to rest it. After he hurt it (against Golden State) he went back in the game, and that's where I think the swelling came from. "It's a game-by-game situation, but it's more precautionary than anything."
Analysis: The report added that following the Rookie Challenge game, which he was held out of as a precaution, Oden said he likely would have played if it were a regular-season game. Fantasy owners need to treat him with extra caution this week as it would seem that he is not guaranteed to return for Wednesday's game against Miami by the way he was referred to as "game-to-game" by his agent. When healthy, he has been an inconsistent No. 2 center option in Fantasy leagues with a lot of highs and lows.
News:The Oregonian reports that Greg Oden has a chipped patella in his left knee. The Blazers center was held out of the Rookie Challenge game Friday after experiencing pain in the knee.
Analysis: Oden is resting in Indiana and will not return to Portland until Tuesday, when he will be evaluated by Blazers officials. His status remains day-to-day. He is coming off three straight games with double-digit rebounds and has double-doubles in two of his last three games, but he should be treated as a real injury risk in Fantasy. Lineup deadlines will not be until Tuesday this week due to the All-Star break, so there may be more information on him prior to the time in which you have to set your lineup, but be prepared to go without him.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden missed the rookie challenge at All-Star weekend on Friday night because of a sore left knee. The Portland center was hurt Thursday night when he bumped knees with Golden State's Corey Maggette in the fourth quarter of the Trail Blazers' 105-98 loss to Golden State. Though he was the No. 1 pick in 2007, Oden was to be playing with the rookies Friday night against the second-year players from his draft class because he missed all of last season after knee surgery.
Analysis: Oden is a player that has been plagued with injuries his entire one and a half year career. This is just another one to add to the list. Hopefully he won't miss any of Blazers games because of this, but be sure to check back if there's any word on whether he'll play against the Grizzlies Thursday or not.
News: Portland center Oden spent much of the first half Thursday at Golden State on the bench with foul trouble and finished with eight points and 11 rebounds. He played only 18 minutes. This was one night after Oden had 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for his second straight double-double against the Thunder.
Analysis: Oden will likely continue this erratic play for the rest of the year. When he's hot, start him, and when he's cold, keep him reserved. Overall, he remains a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden had 16 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday's game against Oklahoma City. He also added three blocks and was 8-for-10 from the field. It was his second straight double-double.
Analysis: Oden continues to be a headache for Fantasy owners because nobody can seem to get a handle on the guy. He has had back-to-back excellent Fantasy lines, but had four clunkers previous to that. He had a stretch in late January when he put together five solid games in a row, but followed that with the four bad games. Fantasy owners have to feel like starting him is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle, but the talent is obviously there for him to put it together for a prolonged stretch. View him as a No. 2 center option to play based on matchups. His two great games this week have come against Fantasy-friendly New York and Oklahoma City.
News: Portland C Greg Oden had 17 points and 12 rebounds for his 15th double-double of the season, and added a career-high six blocked shots in Sunday's win over the Knicks. Oden was 7-for-11 from the field over 28 minutes.
Analysis: Oden has been one of the more frustrating players over the first half of the NBA season. He's still averaging only eight points and five boards with 1.4 blocks over his last five games but his game Sunday is a nice step in the right direction. Still, he's taken that step before only to step back again. The Blazers have one of the better schedules in Week 16, however, so start Oden in all 12-team and deeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden was held to just four points, two rebounds and two assists in Friday's game in Oklahoma City, his first game against the player picked No. 2 overall behind him in last year's draft, Kevin Durant. Durant had 31 points in the game.
Analysis: Oden has scored six or fewer points in his last four games and he has combined for just 13 boards in that span. He is playing fewer minutes as a result of his inefficient production. Fantasy owners have to keep viewing him as a No. 2 center to be used when he is going well and now is not one of those times.
News: Portland center Greg Oden has struggled in his past three games. Oden had six points and four rebounds Wednesday at Dallas and has combined for 17 points and 11 rebounds in his past three outings. This was on the heels of three double-doubles in five previous games.
Analysis: Oden will likely continue this erratic play for the rest of the year. When he's hot, start him, and when he's cold like this, keep him reserved. Overall, he remains a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: Portland center Greg Oden had 14 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks Wednesday against Charlotte. It was Oden's 15th double-double of the season and third in his past five games. He is averaging 16.4 points and 11.4 rebounds in his past five games.
Analysis: Oden has emerged as a No. 1 Fantasy center with his recent play, and hopefully it will continue for the rest of the season. It's nice to see Oden find his groove, and Fantasy owners are benefitting from his recent performances.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden had 16 points, six rebounds and two steals in Monday's game at the L.A. Clippers. He shot 7-for-7 from the field and played 26 minutes. He is averaging 15.2 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last five games.
Analysis: Oden is finally growing into his own and the maturation process should continue for the rest of the season. He should continue to see more and more playing time and a bigger role as the team feels he is ready. Right now, he is ready to be qualified as a low-end No. 1 center or a solid No. 2 option.
News: Portland C Greg Oden might finally be hitting his comfort zone. In 39 minutes on Saturday in a win over Washington, Oden scored 18 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. He also picked up two steals and shot 6-of-10 from the floor.
Analysis: Oden has double-doubles in two of his last three games and had 10-8 in his other. He's averaging 12 points and eight boards over his last five and belongs starting in most leagues at this point while he's playing like this and getting 26 minutes per night.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden had 10 points with eight rebounds in Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers. He started and played 25 minutes. He is averaging 9.1 points and 6.0 rebounds in January.
Analysis: Oden has begun to pick up his production recently. He was coming off a game in which he had 24 points and 15 rebounds in his best game as a rookie and followed it up with a near double-double. He has played well in bursts this season, but is still not exhibiting the potential that made him the first overall selection in last year's draft. Fantasy owners should view him as a No. 2 center at best until he can become consistent over a long stretch.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden had just one word to describe how he felt after arguably his best game of the season. "Hungry," he said, showing off his goofy side Monday night after he scored a career-high 24 points and added 15 rebounds, two steals and two blocks against the Bucks. It was Oden's team-high 12th double-double of the season, though he had gone three games without recording double-digit points or rebounds. The 7-foot center, the top pick in the 2007 draft, is playing as a rookie after missing all of last season because of microfracture surgery on his knee.
Analysis: Oden still needs to find some consistency, as indicated by his three games leading up to Monday, before you can rely on him as a must-start Fantasy center, but Monday's performance is obviously a step in the right direction. Wait and see how he performs in the coming days, and if he plays anywhere close to as well as he played Monday, you might want to consider activating him in Fantasy.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, C Greg Oden's up-and-down rookie campaign continues. At New Jersey, he had just two points in 13 minutes, sitting the bench in part because he was having trouble defending the pick-and-roll.
Analysis: You never know what you're going to get from Oden who has been one of the most mercurial players in the league this season. His production had been better of late, but pick-and-roll teams now know they can knock the seven-footer out of the game by challenging him defensively. He has been shooting better and has a ton of potential, but remains only a No. 2 center until he can become more consistent with his production.
News:Greg Oden scored 17 while grabbing 13 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Chicago Bulls 109-95 on Monday night. Oden shot 5-of-7 from the floor in 25 minutes and also blocked a shot.
Analysis: Finally. This was the type of game that Fantasy owners hoped would be more of a norm for the rookie center this season. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as he's still averaging just nine points and six boards in 23 minutes per night in his last five games. Still, he's shooting better lately and you can see the beginning of what could be his real introduction as an elite NBA center.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Blazers C Greg Oden had his 10th double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) in Tuesday's win over Boston. That is best for a rookie in the NBA this season. Oden also picked up three steals and shot 5-of-9 from the floor.
Analysis: That's back to back double-doubles for the big rookie. He'd really been scuffling prior to that but in his last two contests he's averaging 14.5 points and 10.5 boards on 10-of-16 shooting. If he can just keep up that pace he'd be a must-start Fantasy center, just as he was predicted to be in this his first real season. Oden was rewarded most of all Tuesday with 36 minutes on the court and you know he'll start to produce with that kind of time on the floor.
News: Portland center Greg Oden started for the Blazers on Tuesday against Denver but picked up five fouls in 10 minutes and didn't score. He only had 10 points against the Nuggets in 22 minutes Monday.
Analysis: Oden will be glad not to see the Nuggets for a while. He should bounce back and remains a No. 2 Fantasy center in all formats. He just needs to stay out of foul trouble.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden had eight points and two rebounds in Thursday's game against Phoenix. He played 17 minutes off the bench. He is averaging 8.2 points and 7.4 rebounds over his last five games.
Analysis: Oden is coming off nearly a year of inactivity and Fantasy owners should pay attention to his playing time. As he gets closer and closer to full strength, his minutes and his production should increase as well. At the moment, he is a matchup No. 2 center, to be used in weeks when the Blazers face favorable matchups or four-game weeks in cumulative leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Greg Oden played a season-high 32 minutes Thursday against Utah and had his moments, making 4-of-6 shots from the field while collecting eight points and nine rebounds. Oden was stripped of the ball a couple of times, though, among his three turnovers, and he was 0-for-3 from the foul line.
Analysis: Oden is coming off nearly a year of inactivity and Fantasy owners should pay attention to his playing time. As he gets closer and closer to full strength, his minutes and his production should increase as well. At the moment, he is matchup No. 2 center, to be used in weeks when the Blazers face favorable matchups or four-game weeks in cumulative leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes that Blazers C Greg Oden made only 3-of-10 shots -- four of the misses were blocked -- but also had some good moments in Sunday's game against Toronto. The 7-foot rookie collected 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes and also took a charge for the second straight game.
Analysis: Oden is a little inconsistent at this point in time. He'll give you a double-double like he did in three of his last five games, then he'll give you a dud like he did in the other two with a total of seven points and 13 boards. He's still worth using since he's a guaranteed five boards, at least, and a block or two, but he's not going to be a No. 1 center anytime soon.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden, coming off his second double-double in three games, played only 19 minutes Tuesday at New York as he botched two dunks early in the game. He finished with two points, two blocks and seven rebounds.
Analysis: Oden has undergone some growing pains in his rookie season, but at least he's healthy now. He has the upside to emerge as a No. 1 Fantasy center as early as this season, but you might want to reserve him until he finds some consistency.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden had 11 points and 13 rebounds in Sunday's game at Detroit, giving him double-doubles in two of his last three games.
Analysis: The Blazers have a favorable four-game schedule in the upcoming scoring period and Oden is starting to see more minutes as he continues to get into game shape after missing the last year-plus due to injuries. Get him into the lineup as a No. 2 center in larger leagues.
News: Blazers rookie C Greg Oden had 11 points and 10 rebounds in Wednesday's game against Chicago. It was his second straight double-double and his third in his last four contests.
Analysis: Oden is coming into his own and is finally looking like the player the Blazers thought he could be. He is not starting, but is getting around 25 minutes per game. That should only increase as the season goes on. He's already at least a top-notch No. 2 center in Fantasy and could wind up a solid No. 1 in the very near future.
News: Portland C Greg Oden and the Trail Blazers lost to Golden State on Tuesday night as the rookie center had his best game of his 5-game career. The Warriors had to overcome Oden's 22 points and 10 rebounds in the 111-106 loss for Portland. Oden went 8-for-12 and played 30 minutes through foul trouble. Oden got little pleasure from his rim-rocking performance, since he also made five of Portland's 21 turnovers. "I want to put that loss on me," Oden said. "We were scrapping, trying to get it back, and it just didn't seem to go our way. We've got to take care of the ball. ... You can't expect to beat somebody in their home gym by giving them 21 extra possessions." Oden put on a show down low, violently shaking the basket standard and shot clock with five two-handed dunks in the second half, including a thunderous rebound slam with 6:01 to play that pulled Portland to 94-91. But the Warriors twice knocked the ball out of Oden's hands while he wound up to dunk in the final minutes, and Oden scored only two points in the final six minutes.
Analysis: Oden played 30 minutes on Tuesday, the most since returning from injury. He's playing more and more and doing better and better and that's a positive sign. It is safe to get him active in all Fantasy formats right now. Let his rookie season officially begin. Hopefully he stays healthy.
News: Portland C Greg Oden has now returned for three full games after Saturday night against Minnesota in which he played 24 minutes and scored 13 points. Oden added eight rebounds and three blocks against the Timberwolves as he came off the bench.
Analysis: Oden is averaging 12 points and 9.5 boards in his last two games in 24 minutes each game and also has seven blocks. He hasn't gotten hurt again since returning so that's always a good sign. Oden can officially be placed back into your starting lineup for Week 4 in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Portland C Greg Oden returned from his foot injury Wednesday night at the Heat and scored three points in 16 minutes off the bench. Oden added two boards and two blocks and looked good on one particular play in which he grabbed an offensive board, made a move and slammed it home. After the game, Oden said his "body feels good." He was glad to finish his first NBA game but said he needs to continue to work on getting in shape.
Analysis: Hopefully Oden will get worked back into the rotation quickly and will be starting again soon, with Joel Przybilla currently starting against Miami and when Oden was out. Oden's a must-start in Fantasy when he's able to contribute but wait until the end of the week before you decide to activate him for Week 4.
News:Greg Oden returned the Portland Trail Blazers for Wednesday night's matchup with the Miami Heat, following a six-game absence because of a sprained right foot sustained in the season opener. "Feels good. I'm ready. I'm excited," the 19-year-old Oden said after Wednesday's pregame shootaround practice, which served as the final test to see if his foot was ready for a return. "I'll hopefully play the full game tonight." That won't happen anytime soon. The Blazers say they'll act cautiously when it comes to how Oden will be worked back into the rotation. "We are adding him to what we're already doing and have to fit him into the things we're doing, make those adjustments again," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. "He's a part of what we want to take advantage of on both ends of the floor, offensively and defensively, and having him back in the lineup will be somewhat of an adjustment. So we'll try to work him in slowly." Joel Przybilla remained as Portland's starting center Wednesday night.
Analysis: Oden went through a full practice Tuesday, then the midday shootaround, after which he pronounced himself fit to play. He also did some shooting about 90 minutes before tipoff Wednesday, with no problems. Hopefully he'll get worked back into the rotation quickly and will be starting again soon. He's a must-start in Fantasy when he's able to contribute but wait until the end of the week before you decide to activate him for Week 4.
News:Greg Oden says he's ready to play. The Portland Trail Blazers center says he'll play Wednesday night against the Miami Heat, even though the team is listing him officially as a game-time decision. Oden has missed the Blazers' last six games because of a sprained right foot suffered in Portland's season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "Feels good. I'm ready. I'm excited," Oden said after Wednesday's shootaround. "I'll hopefully play the full game tonight." Oden was the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft, then missed all of last season following knee surgery.
Analysis: This is great news for Fantasy owners who drafted Oden as a starting option but have been without him since the first game of the year. Keep an eye on how he does and plan on using him for the Week 4 scoring period.
News:The Sports Xchange reports that C Greg Oden (sprained right foot) could return to action Wednesday against Miami. He was able to return to practice Sunday.
Analysis: Most Fantasy owners have Oden reserved this week, but if Oden returns Wednesday then Fantasy owners will three games to have a chance to see where he's at both physically and on a performance level before deciding on whether he's healthy enough to active for Week 4. He's yet to score his first NBA point and has some serious ground to make up. He has not finished an official game since the NCAA National Championship game in April of 2007.
News: Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden will miss two to four weeks because of an injury to his right foot. The team said Wednesday that MRI and computerized axial tomography scans confirmed Oden has a mid-lateral foot sprain. Oden, who missed all of last season after knee surgery, injured his foot in the first quarter of the Blazers' 96-76 season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. "I was trying to go get a rebound, and kind of came down on Derek Fisher's foot on like the third play of the game. I kind of fell and didn't think twice about it," he said after the game. Oden missed four field goals and two free throws in 13 minutes of play.
Analysis: When healthy, Oden should be viewed as a No. 2 Fantasy center but only if he can stay healthy and on the court for an extended time. He's a major injury risk after missing all of last year and only playing one half of one game in the NBA.
News: Portland center Greg Oden hurt his right foot early in the game Tuesday at the Lakers and left right before halftime. X-rays were inconclusive and an MRI was set Wednesday for what was diagnosed as a mid-foot sprain. The 7-foot, 285-pounder said after the game that his foot was "tender" but that he's not really concerned. The 20-year-old Oden missed all four of his shots, had five rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls before leaving the game. Explaining how he got hurt against the Lakers, he said: "I was trying to go get a rebound and kind of came down on Derek Fisher's foot on like the third play of the game. I kind of fell and didn't think twice about it. I tried to play the rest of the half with it. I wanted to play in the second half. I was taped. I was trying to run. It just wasn't happening. I'm just trying to get through it and trying to get back. It's just a little setback. I'll still be in the gym tomorrow."
Analysis: Portland coach Nate McMillan said, "I hope it's not serious because he's worked so hard to get himself back. We've tried to do all we could to get him into the season, and here we are -- the first game. Hopefully in a couple of days, he can be back." Taken by Portland with the first pick in the 2007 draft, Oden missed all of last season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. Keep an eye on the injury and hope he's not out for an extended period of time. When healthy, Oden should be viewed as a No. 2 Fantasy center at this time.
News: Portland rookie C Greg Oden's highly anticipated NBA debut didn't last long Tuesday night. He left the game at the Lakers late in the first half with a foot injury after taking four shots and going scoreless. Oden missed two free throws, had two rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls while playing 12:51. The injury was diagnosed as a sprain and X-rays were negative. Oden will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.
Analysis: Oden, taken by Portland with the first pick in the 2007 draft, missed all last season after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee. Most likely, he won't miss more than a few games with the injury, but be sure to check back after the MRI. As a big man still learning to play in the NBA, Oden might have his struggles this year, but he has big-time potential and is no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy C right away.
News: The Trail Blazers will play three games in Fantasy Week 1 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2). They'll play at the L.A. Lakers on Oct. 28, at home against San Antonio on Oct. 31 and at Phoenix on Nov 1.
Analysis: The Blazers will be without Martell Webster to begin the season, so that means Travis Outlaw will be in the starting lineup at small forward. He had some appeal as a No. 4 forward option last season, but will no longer be the team's sixth man option. That role goes to Rudy Fernandez, who should begin the season as a No. 4 guard, but could emerge into a No. 2 over the course of the season with big minutes coming his way. Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden are must-starts in Fantasy for Week 1. Steve Blake has some low-end appeal in larger formats as the starting point guard for a three-game team this week. Jerryd Bayless, Joel Przybilla, Channing Frye, Ike Diogu, Nicolas Batum and Sergio Rodriguez should be reserved in all formats until further notice.
News: Portland C Greg Oden, still a rookie after sitting out all of last season, made his preseason debut Tuesday night against the Kings. Oden looked almost as if he were a veteran out there, scoring 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting. Four of his field goals came on dunks as he looked very hard to stop down low. Oden also picked up five boards, two assists and two blocks in the game.
Analysis: Oden's stat line on Tuesday night in his debut is what the Blazers and Fantasy owners were waiting for. It was just a small sample size, but in his first 20 minutes he was pretty dominating on the block. View him as a low-end No. 1 center heading into the season. If you get him as your second center, you'll be in great shape. He could end up being an elite center by the end of the year.
News: The Portland Tribune reports that Greg Oden has worked out for the past five weeks and has dropped 15 pounds, going from 300 to 285 pounds. "I'm ready," said Oden, who missed the entire 2007-08 season after undergoing microfracture knee surgery last September. "But the good thing about last year, it got me to calm down. I'm not crazy."
Analysis: There is no pain in the knee, Oden says. The past five weeks, he has paced himself, working gradually into five-on-five pickup games at the Blazers' training facility but taking part only every other day. This week, Oden will play all four days, "but only three or four games a day," he says. Oden figures to be back to 100 percent, but there is some measure of injury risk that is associated with microfracture surgery on NBA players. There are success stories, however. Amare Stoudemire is a prime example of a player who made it all the way back from basketball's version of the Tommy John procedure. He has 20-and-10 upside, but it will be hard for him to live up to that in his first NBA season. View him as a low-end No. 1 center heading into the season. If you get him as your second center, you'll be in good shape.
News: The Portland Trail Blazers announced Friday that Greg Oden is expected to be ready to play in preseason games this fall. He missed his entire rookie season while recovering from microfracture surgery on his knee.
Analysis: Oden figures to be back to 100 percent, but there is some measure of injury risk that is associated with microfracture surgery on NBA players. There are success stories, however. Amare Stoudemire is a prime example of a player who made it all the way back from basketball's version of the Tommy John procedure. He has 20-and-10 upside, but it will be hard for him to live up to that in his first NBA season. View him as a low-end No. 1 center heading into the season. If you get him as your second center, you'll be in good shape.
News: Injured center Greg Oden was reprimanded by the Trail Blazers for playing in a pickup game at a neighborhood gym. "We called him and we told him he can't do that," coach Nate McMillan said Friday. Oden, the top pick in last year's draft, is out for the season after microfracture surgery on his right knee. He said he played two games Wednesday night when he was at the fitness center with friends. "I was going to play one, but I lost the first one," the 7-footer said. McMillan called Oden's actions "pretty innocent," but the coach wanted Oden to know he must avoid risky situations.
Analysis: Oden recently started participating in light drills with the team but will not play this season or in a summer league, McMillan said. The plan is to make sure there are no setbacks so he can start training camp in October. His value is high in keeper leagues, as he'll be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy center next year.
News: Trail Blazers C Greg Oden (knee) was able to practice with teammates Wednesday, according to The Oregonian. He jumped, dunked and took part in offensive plays. "It was fun," Oden said, his practice T-shirt sporting a sweat-stained ring around the neck. "It felt good to get out there ... and I wasn't hurting at all."
Analysis: Head coach Nate McMillan said the team will continue to bring Oden along slowly, and that there are absolutely no thoughts of having him play this season, no matter what. His value is high in keeper leagues, as he'll be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy center next year.
News: Blazers C Greg Oden, who will miss this season after he had knee surgery, was in the weight room Friday night before his team played the Philadelphia 76ers, sculpting his upper body. The 7-footer looked chiseled and has gained nearly 30 pounds of muscle -- all in the upper body -- since he was drafted. He is up to 280 pounds. That's too much weight to carry on a surgically repaired knee and head coach Nate McMillan is mildly concerned. "I would much rather have him be wiry strong than bulky, especially coming off a surgery," McMillan said. "When you're talking about putting on extra weight and having to carry that weight on a surgically repaired leg, that's not good. We want to be really careful with the weight training with him."
Analysis: Oden, who only recently shed his crutches, can't run and is limited to cardio work or pumping iron. McMillan said the change in the physique has been noticeable and wants Oden to back off just a bit and work more on being toned than having his muscles pop out of his suit. McMillan envisions a build more like David Robinson or Alonzo Mourning than a Karl Malone. "We want him to be quick and athletic as opposed to bulky and big," he said. Oden, who averaged 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds last season as a freshman at Ohio State, is traveling with the Trail Blazers so he can get a feel for the grind of the NBA season. McMillan said Oden's rehabilitation is going well and he should be set for next year. Ignore him in all non-keeper formats.
News: Top NBA draft pick Greg Oden doesn't remember much from immediately after knee surgery. He was with his mother at home when he found out how serious it was. "I kinda looked at my mom and said, 'I'm out for the season? You kidding me?' " he said. Oden will be on crutches for six more weeks. Full recovery likely will take six to 12 months. He has started swimming, and a machine gently bends his knee for six hours a day.
Analysis: Oden was at the Trail Blazers' practice facility on Thursday on crutches and with his surgically repaired left knee wrapped in ice. Except for a videotaped blog entry, it was the 7-footer's first public appearance since undergoing microfracture surgery on Sept. 13. He will miss the season rehabbing.
News: Greg Oden, the top pick in this year's NBA draft, likely will miss his first season with the Portland Trail Blazers after surgery on his right knee Thursday. Doctors found cartilage damage during an exploratory procedure, and team physician Dr. Don Roberts performed microfracture surgery to repair the damage. "There are things about this that are positive for Greg. First of all, he is young. The area where the damage was is small and the rest of his knee looked normal," Roberts said in a statement. "All those are good signs for a complete recovery from microfracture surgery." The 7-foot center is expected to be on crutches for up to eight weeks. Full recovery likely will take six to 12 months, the team said.
Analysis: Well, there go his Rookie of the Year chances right there. More information on his injury should be made available shortly, but this is the same kind of injury that kept Suns pivot Amare Stoudemire out for about a year. The news is not good for Oden, but thankfully it happened before most Fantasy drafts have taken place. If you did already draft him, you'll have to start thinking about Plan B. This might create room for LaMarcus Aldridge to play some center with Channing Frye manning the power forward slot, but we expect Joel Przybilla to regain his starting job at center to start the season.
News: Trail Blazers center Greg Oden, the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, will undergo exploratory arthroscopic surgery this week because of pain in his right knee. An MRI taken last week showed Oden may have some cartilage problems, general manager Kevin Pritchard said Monday. A timetable for Oden's return will be set following the surgery, which will take place Thursday in Vancouver, Wash. The Trail Blazers open training camp in three weeks, and the regular season starts Oct. 30.
Analysis: Obviously, Fantasy owners never want to hear the word "surgery" associated with their players, particularly when accompanied by "exploratory." Sounds like the Blazers don't definitively know the source of Oden's pain, which leaves the rookie center's status uncertain for the start of training camp or even the season. Not the way he wanted to start his career. Consider Oden a No. 2 Fantasy center for now, but monitor this situation closely.
News: Portland Trail Blazers rookie center Greg Oden had his tonsils removed Saturday. The tonsillectomy was performed at The Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wash., and the recovery time for the No. 1 pick in last month's NBA draft is expected to take two to three weeks, the Trail Blazers said. Oden, 19, has been plagued by sore throats and had trouble breathing in the Las Vegas summer league last week. He averaged 9.5 points and 9.5 fouls in two games before getting shut down in preparation for the operation. Summer league rules allow 10 fouls before disqualification. Oden will miss the U.S. senior national team's minicamp July 20-22 in Las Vegas.
Analysis: It appears Oden will be fine and ready for the upcoming season. Have no fear in drafting him on your Fantasy team.
News: Greg Oden is ready for his upcoming tonsillectomy because the NBA's No. 1 draft pick is "worn out" from a hectic summer and he welcomes the chance to rest. The 19-year-old pick of the Portland Trail Blazers will have his tonsils out Saturday at the Vancouver Clinic in Vancouver, Wash. Oden said he needs the surgery to improve his breathing. Oden said the Blazers want him to remain in the Portland area for two weeks to recover from surgery. He will miss the rest of summer league play and the U.S. senior national team's minicamp July 20-22 in Las Vegas.
Analysis: It appears Oden will be fine and ready for the upcoming season. Have no fear in drafting him on your Fantasy team.
News: Top draft pick Greg Oden needs to have his tonsils removed and is expected to miss the rest of the Portland Trail Blazers' summer league games. A surgery date hadn't been set. His recovery was expected to take about two weeks. Oden, a 7-foot center who played one season at Ohio State, was the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. In his summer league debut, Oden scored six points and had two rebounds before leaving with 10 fouls, the maximum allowed in the summer league. The Blazers lost 74-66 to the Boston Celtics. In his second game against Dallas, a fatigued Oden finished with 13 points, five rebounds and nine fouls. The Mavericks won 72-68.
Analysis: Oden should be fine for the start of the season, but keep an eye on his development prior to his rookie campaign. He should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy center heading into 2007-08.
News: Top pick Greg Oden's second summer league game with the Portland Trail Blazers was better than his first, but still not up to the high profile center's expectations. Two days after he was disqualified with 10 fouls in 20 minutes, Oden had 13 points, five rebounds and nine fouls Sunday in a 72-68 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Summer league rules allow for 10 personals. Oden picked up his ninth foul with 3 minutes, 23 seconds to play, but didn't foul out. Fouling out twice, with double the amount of fouls at his disposal from this winter at Ohio State, would have been embarrassing, he said.
Analysis: As expected, Oden will continue to improve as he learns the nuances of the NBA. Consider him a No. 2 Fantasy center in 2007-08.
News: Greg Oden's foul troubles followed him to the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers center, the first overall pick in last month's draft, picked up three quick fouls in the opening three minutes of his professional debut Friday night in the Las Vegas summer league and fouled out with 10 fouls. League rules allow 10 fouls before disqualification. Portland trailed by double digits for most of the game as Oden was a non-factor in a 74-66 loss to the Boston Celtics. He had six points and two rebounds in 20 minutes.
Analysis: Oden will get better, but go into the season with him as a No. 2 Fantasy center.
News: The Portland Trail Blazers have signed No. 1 pick Greg Oden. According the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, Oden's deal will be for two years, with team options for the third and fourth seasons. Oden will make $3.885 million as a rookie and $4.176 in Year 2. If they pick up the option in the third year, his salary will be $4.476 million. Oden, a 7-foot center from Ohio State, signed his contract Sunday and the team announced the deal Monday.
Analysis: Oden immediately started working out with the other players on Portland's summer league roster, impressing teammates with his powerful dunks and ability to block shots. General manager Kevin Pritchard envisions developing a Blazers front court with Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye. He'll be an elite option in keeper formats, but his value in seasonal leagues should have him being drafted somewhere in the middle rounds.
News: Greg Oden was introduced Friday to Blazers fans at a lunchtime rally, some 16 hours after the team took him with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.
Analysis: Blazers coach Nate McMillan said he had his sights set on Oden since watching Ohio State play Florida in the NCAA championship game. Although he praised Kevin Durant for his talent, McMillan was sure Oden was the right choice. General manager Kevin Pritchard envisioned developing a Blazers front court with Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Channing Frye. He'll be an elite option in keeper formats, but his value in seasonal leagues should have him being drafted somewhere in the middle rounds.
